Three of Cardiff City's first team squad were involved for our U23 side on Tuesday night at Cardiff City Stadium.
Rhys Healey, Kadeem Harris and Lee Camp were given much needed game time as they take another step towards first team football as Crystal Palace visited CCS. Jarred Harvey and Andy Legg also named five trialists in the squad.
It didn't take winger Harris long to hit the back of the net on his return from injury, clinically finishing off Jamie Veale's through-ball inside the first minute.
The Bluebirds continued to press for another goal and they succeeded after 23 minutes, when Cameron Coxe hammered the ball across the face of goal and forward Healey smashed home to make the score 2-0.
Our No.11 Harris was took part in 45 minutes on his return from injury before being withdrawn at the break.
After the interval, the complexion of the game changed as Palace fought back into the match. They reduced the deficit to one after 52 minutes, when Gio McGregor struck from Jordon Mutch’s cross.
The away side pulled level three minutes later - Michael Phillips with a ferocious effort from the left side of the area.
City had a few promising attacks as they tried to rediscover their lead. Former Connah's Quay forward Healey finishing his evening after 65 minutes with Keiron Proctor replacing him.
However, it was the opposition who made it 2-3 after 72 minutes. A strong, low cross from Levi Lumeka deflected in off a City foot and into the net.
It was a tense finale as the Bluebirds pressed for an equaliser, although it would be Palace to have the final shout. Freddie Ladapo converting from a one-on-one situation after 89 minutes.
U23 FULL TIME: CARDIFF CITY 2-4 CRYSTAL PALACE
Cardiff City: Camp, Coxe, Abbruzzese, Veale, Trialist, Young, Trialist (Trialist 20’), Waite, Healey (Proctor 66’), M. Harris, K. Harris (Trialist 46’). Subs Not Used: Byrne, Trialist.
Crystal Palace: Tupper, Bissaka, Mitchell, McGregor, Phillips, Brown, Lokilo, Mutch, Ladapo, Kirby (Flanagan 80’), Lumeka. Subs Not Used: Coker, Webber, Ossai, Robertson.